Below is the fourth post in a series written by Gangplank HQ and Gangplank Tucson to address topics raised during the Gamestorming event. Also refer to Gamestorming Reflections, Where’s the Booty? and What about Space?.
Does our Gangplank have to be like THE Gangplank?
Even if a Gangplank Affiliate wanted to be exactly like Gangplank HQ, it’d be impossible. Every Gangplank location is built based on the respective community in which it resides. That may mean a population more focused on design, or writing. Perhaps there are more growth businesses than startups, or vice versa.
That being said, all Gangplank sites are based on the original values of be dangerous, create, collaborate and educate, as well as have the workspace comprised of one open room, as opposed to private space.
What kind of events will go on?
All Gangplank Affiliates are expected to have a few basic programs – Gangplank Academy, Community Outreach, and a regular after-hours event.
Gangplank Academy includes workshops and classes on a wide-range of topics – anything from sketching to getting out of debt. The Academy is community-driven and should be focused on topics of interest to Gangplankers. Additionally, the Academy includes a weekly lunchtime brownbag presentation, during which a local business or community leader shares their story.
Gangplank Community Outreach involves events hosted that may not have a direct educational component, but interest Gangplank members and the surrounding community. This may be a LaidOffCamp, Startup Weekend, Game night or potluck.
The goal of an after hours event is two-fold. One, to attract those interested in Gangplank that cannot participate during the day and two, to allow those with regular daily tasks to get together and work on a side project together. These events occur weekly at the least.
Who will come to our Gangplank?
The specific groups will vary depending on the site, but generally Gangplank attracts a population of creators. These are individuals looking for constant interaction and opportunities to work with others. The majority of participants are employed as knowledge-workers, active in problem solving and decision-making for their organizations. Expect a large number of tech-related backgrounds including programming, design, SEO, marketing, blogging, etc.
Who SHOULD come to our Gangplank?
Gangplank is a self-selecting environment and therefore individuals who don’t fit naturally weed themselves out. Overall, those who don’t believe in the values of Gangplank (collaboration over competition, people over personalities, etc) or seek to isolate themselves are not well suited to the space.
Is it a secret society club?
Hardly! We want to spread our collaborative message to the world, but it’s one convert at a time. The experience of Gangplank is what drives people to invite in friends and tell others about the space.